What is the role of reduction and oxidation in the process of rusting of iron?
The rusting of iron is an oxidation process. The iron reacts with oxygen from air or water to form rust (Fe2O3). Iron can also be oxidized by other oxides like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Rusting of iron is also a an electrochemical process. Electrons from iron transfer to oxygen. Oxygen then is reduced because it gained electrons. On the other hand iron is oxidized because it lost electrons. We have here the roles of oxidation and reduction in the process of rusting of iron. Reduction occurs to oxygen and oxidation occurs to iron resulting to rusting.
